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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 238 > OCTOBER 2020
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VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
View from the Hills The Mendip Hills in fact near where I live, so
Italy’s citizens are being urged to stay
as Summer seems to have suddenly turned to
home wherever possible and its music
Autumn here in the UK, the general picture
venues are to close for the coming few
out in the live music business is still sadly
weeks, it does paint a gloomy picture.
far from good. Many stories of cancelled or
Charlie Presburg ager - VIP-Book ing.com
Sales Area Man
postponed shows, at least until sometime in
With some parts of the UK either
2021 and for some 2022. My heart goes out
in full or partial lock-down at the start of
some of the major agencies
to those badly affected and to those whose
what looks like a second wave here, there
these last few months. Not diminishing the
businesses may not be able to bounce back
is however still some positivity. Earlier this
importance of the ‘big guns’ in our industry
once normal service is eventually resumed.
month it was revealed that Arts Council
but it is a very welcome sight seeing new
We all know that our beloved industry will
England will be handing out funding
businesses springing up as a direct result of
be the very last allowed to operate once
which will help many music venues and
the current world situation. We are all aware
COVID-19 has finally abated and a vaccine
organizations,
proposed
that when the live business began some 60
found, just when this will be no-one of
257m will be enough to make a long term
plus years ago, it was quite literally a few
course knows.
difference remains to to be seen of course.
Entrepeneurs getting out there and starting
In addition to this, the Government backed
up on their own.
whether
the
Only last week, a new report estimates that
Cultural Recovery Fund will be handing out
up to 170,000 UK live sector jobs will be lost
a financial lifeline to many independent
I know I for one am missing the various
by the end of year due to the worldwide
festivals, much needed at this time and only
conferences we usually attend this time of
pandemic. As I write this, I read that Spain has
last week, the French Government promised
the year, whether it be the IFF, Mama Event
declared a six month state of emergency and
a further €55m to help their live music sector.
or Reeperbahn. Although the physical side of such events cannot be fully replaced
COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496
Although there has of course been a
digitally, I do applaud those teams of people
proliferation of live streaming and live
who have put together what can only be
performances (albeit to empty venues) in the
described as the ‘next best thing’ with
UK these last few months, from Scotland’s
online conferences and it has been great
Biffy Clyro streaming a live show in various
seeing friends and colleagues online these
spaces from Glasgow’s Barrowlands to Nick
last couple of months.
Cave playing an empty Alexandra Palace in North London, the need for live entertainment
Wherever you are when you read this
is needed now more than ever. Last month
piece, I wish you, your families and your
Italian star Elisa played a series of shows in
businesses well and hope of course that this
various squares in Italy, selling over 11.500
current situation is under control as soon
tickets and raising €230,000 for her band
as possible and that we can all get back to
and crew. Back in August (which now feels
some semblance of normality. Our various
a million miles away), I managed to catch
governments speak about the ‘new normal’
the wonderful Magic Numbers in the town
but we all know that there is nothing normal
near where I live. The US based band who
about going to a live show wearing a mask.
are used to playing to thousands of adoring
Unfortunately, for the time being, this is how
fans, played to a socially distanced crowd of
it has to be and we have to deal with it as
around 250 people outdoors, supported by a
best we can, one thing for certain is that
few local artists, it was wonderful to see live
when the tours, gigs and festivals do return,
music once again after so many months.
the demand for live entertainment is going to be bigger than ever and our industry will
One other interesting development has of agencies, most of which have grown out of
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once again thrive.
course been the evolution of new talent Hold that thought and stay safe!
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VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
Report: 170.000 UK Live sector jobs will be lost From VIP-Daily News
A
new
report
estimates
that
26,000
While grants from the Culture Recovery
that has spun out of what was previously the
permanent jobs in the UK live music industry
Fund have probably saved about 10,000
UK Live Music Group committee within UK
will be lost by the end of the year as the
jobs, the live industry says that it needs
Music. Like UK Music, LIVE is a trade group of
COVID-19 shutdown extends – about half of
much more government support to ensure
trade groups, bringing together organisations
the sector’s full-time workforce.
that its infrastructure and talent base isn’t
that represent concert promoters, festivals,
almost entirely obliterated by the time the
venues, agents, managers and live event
shutdown is over.
production practitioners.
who work full time in live and other music
The bold new stats have been compiled by
The report is published as measures to
industry practitioners for whom live is part
consultants Chris Carey and Tim Chambers
restrict the spread of COVID-19 increase
of their activity and therefore revenue – will
for a report commissioned by LIVE, a new
in many areas of the UK, just as the
also have been wiped out.
trade organisation for the British live industry
original COVID support schemes for both
Meanwhile, a further 144,000 ‘full-time equivalent’ jobs – including both freelancers
employees and freelancers come to an end. The replacement schemes are problematic for the live industry. The new schemes assume one of two things: that a company has returned to at least one-third capacity since the original COVID shutdown or that newly increased COVID measures mean a company is forced by law to shut down entirely again. However, for most live companies, technically they are allowed to operate, but social distancing rules mean those operations would be nowhere near a third of usual capacity. While the £1.57 billion in sector-specific funding provided by the UK government to the cultural and heritage sectors – a significant portion of which was distributed via Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund – has helped to an extent, it won’t stop nearly 170,000 jobs in the live sector
Chris Carey
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from disappearing. Many companies were ineligible for or unsuccessful in their bids to
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
the CRF, and freelancers were not able to
“From the artists on stage to the venues, and
of the first sectors to close and we will be
directly apply.
the many specialist roles and occupations
one of the last to re-open. We are currently
that make live music happen, this research
caught in a catch 22 where we are unable to
In a bid to mitigate the hugely negative
shows clearly that the entire ecosystem is
operate due to government restrictions but
impact on the live sector that is outlined
being decimated”.
are excluded from the Extended Job Support
in this report, the industry wants the UK
Scheme as the furlough comes to an end.
government to offer the extended version of
“The Culture Recovery Fund is a help,
If businesses can’t access that support soon
its new Job Support Scheme to all live music
especially to grassroots music venues”, he
then the majority of our specialist, highly-
businesses, even when technically they are
added. “However, larger companies are
trained workforce will be gone”.
allowed to operate under law.
going to be hit harder and without ongoing government investment in protecting this
Meanwhile,
Other stats in the new report include that
industry, the UK will lose its place as a
freelancers, Andy Lenthall of the Production
76% of live music employees were utilising
cultural leader in live entertainment.
Services Association added: “Those who
the government’s furlough scheme at the end
putting
the
spotlight
on
have often found themselves overlooked
of August – ie one of the key schemes now
Moreover, the skills we lose in this time
and left behind throughout the last six
coming to an end. Plus, while on average
will significantly hinder the sector’s ability
months are the freelancers and self-
UK industries have seen 2020 revenues fall
to recover and return to driving economic
employed – the people up and down the
20% as a result of the pandemic, live music
growth and supplying UK jobs”.
country that we rely on to bring us the live
industry revenues are down 81%, with almost zero income since March.
experiences we love. Things are becoming Formally calling on the government for
increasingly desperate for a great many
more support, Phil Bowdery of the Concert
people in the industry and government
Commenting on the findings of the report,
Promoters Association – one of LIVE’s
needs to recognise that these crucial
co-author Chris Carey said this morning:
member organisations – said: “We were one
individuals need support”.
Tim Chambers
5
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
Former Paradigm Agents Launch Arrival Artists From VIP-Daily News Former Paradigm Talent Agency booking agents Ali Hedrick, Erik Selz, John Bongiorno, Karl Morse and Ethan Berlin have teamed up to launch a new agency, Arrival Artists. The quintet are new joined in the venture by former Billions Corporation COO Matt Yasecko. The move is the latest in a series of
agency enable the newly-launched agency
to corner the market on one genre; it’s to be a
high-profile personnel changes at the
to curate detailed career strategies for the
home for unique, singular talents that we can
major music booking agencies since the
creators they represent.
champion.” Ethan Berlin also muses, “How
COVID-19 pandemic, which has crippled the concert industry.
can what we do for jam acts inform what we “We want to construct an environment that
do for the progressive jazz acts? And how can
encourages collaboration, crossover and
the progressive jazz acts inform the steps of
Arrival’s roster, which is reflective the agents’
artistic risk-taking among our clients,” said
our developing indie acts? That’s exciting to
experience, includes Khruangbin, Sufjan
Selz. “This is not high-minded, nor a vision
me. In the era of Spotify and playlists, fans
Stevens, BADBADNOTGOOD, Mt. Joy and
with tight guardrails, but rather a practical
are less myopic. As an agent, it’s important
Nubya Garcia to Car Seat Headrest, Andrew
approach to a platform best-suited for the
to be familiar with many different worlds and
Bird, Goose, Chicano Batman, among others.
creators we represent.”
deliver a wide range of opportunity.”
The partners combine their training as
“A diversity of artists yields a diversity of
Jenna Neer, who previously worked at AEG
independent agents and working for a major
opportunities,” adds Yasecko. “Our goal isn’t
Global Touring, joins the team as Director of Marketing while Jess Bumstead from
Arrival Artists
Paradigm boards as an agency associate. Arrival will have offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. “I think it’s a testament to our personalities and priorities that this group has come together as it has,” said Morse. “There was no concerted campaign to connect the dots. We all came together organically in a time of crisis and decided our personal and professional ethos were aligned, and now I couldn’t be more proud to call my friends my partners. Trust, honesty and hard work are our common values, and to move forward with that shared mindset feels uniquely powerful.” In addition, Arrival is partnering with ATC Live in Europe to facilitate dynamic global representation for shared acts.
6
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
Ed Sheeran agent Jon Ollier to launch new company From VIP-Daily News Ed Sheeran`s longtime agent Jon Ollier is to exit CAA and launch his own company. Ollier, who will take a number of his clients with him including Sheeran, Anne-Marie and Calum Scott, confirmed the news and said details of his new venture would be revealed in due course after he had completed his handover from CAA. Ollier had been with CAA since 2015, having joined from Free Trade Agency. He began his career at the Helter Skelter Agency.
Ed Sheeran
Sheeran`s 255-show ÷ world tour of 2017-
He adds, “Starting my own company has
live music shutdown in March. Five former
19 became the highest-grossing and most
been a dream of mine and I appreciate
Paradigm booking agents recently joined
well-attended
CAA’s support in this transition.”
forces with former Billions Corporation
of
all-time,
generating
$775.6 million from 8.9 million tickets to surpass U2`s 2009-11 360° tour.
COO Matt Yasecko to launch new agency CAA co-head, Emma Banks told IQ, “Jon
Arrival Artists, which is partnering with ATC
has been a great colleague and friend. We
Live in Europe, weeks after five other ex-
“CAA has been a wonderful experience
wish him the very best as he pursues an
Paradigm agents teamed up to launch new
and one I am incredibly grateful for,” says
entrepreneurial path, and look forward to
US-based talent agency TBA.
Ollier. “It has been an absolute privilege
working with him in his new role.”
working alongside so many outstanding
Sheeran`s manager Stuart Camp also went
people who care deeply about their clients
The agency world has been the subject of
it alone in 2018, departing Rocket Music to
and each other.”
much upheaval since the Covid-19-related
launch Grumpy Old Management.
Jon Ollier
7
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
BMG expands into live music in Germany From VIP-Daily News BMG is entering the live music business for
The move means that as well as releasing
a partnership with BMG commenced long
the first time, with a plan to offer artists
recordings and publishing songs BMG
before the coronavirus pandemic, but
a new alternative to the established live
can now offer artists an integrated tour
we are now perfectly set up for when
promotion industry.
promotion and ticketing service.
the market returns. There is a significant opportunity for us working together to offer
The company has signed an agreement
It demonstrates BMG’s commitment to cover
a genuine alternative for artists in Germany
to acquire a majority stake in independent
the entire creative value chain and serve its
and beyond, building on Undercover’s
German live music promotion company and
clients in every area of their careers. However,
established recipe of ‘live entertainment
event agency Undercover GmbH.
like publishing and records at BMG, live will
and artist partnership’.“
remain a strictly opt-in service. Undercover will form the basis for the
Maximillian Kolb, BMG, Managing Director
development and establishment of a new
Dominique Casimir, BMG, EVP Repertoire
GSA, said, “Artists want partners who
live music and event business unit within
& Marketing Continental Europe, said,
build their business around them rather
BMG in Germany.
“Moving into live is the logical extension of
than the other way around. Above all, this
BMG’s plan to integrate all the services an
means offering the best possible service.
Founder and CEO Michael Schacke and
artist could need under one roof, with the
The German music market has proven to
his team of 30 will remain on board. The
artist brand at the center of it all. Crucially,
be extremely adaptable and is one of the
Braunschweig-based
we have found in Michael Schacke and his
strongest in the world, especially in the live
team a partner who shares our values.”
segment. I am very happy that we have
company,
founded
in 1991, is one of the most successful promoters
in
northern
Germany
with
become the first territory within BMG to be
over 200 concerts and shows held a year.
Undercover CEO Michael Schacke said, “I
able to offer a complete service portfolio to
Undercover also develops and promotes
founded this company in 1991 to be able
artists including live.”
its own formats and acts as an agent
to perform with my band and that’s how
brokering tours and festivals of national and
I became a promoter. This idea has since
The new business unit will also collaborate
international artists throughout Germany,
grown into a nationwide concert agency
with other content divisions of BMG
Austria and Switzerland.
with over 30 employees. Discussions about
shareholder
Bertelsmann
in
Germany
including broadcaster RTL, book publisher Penguin Random House and magazine publisher Gruner + Jahr under the banner of the Bertelsmann Content Alliance. Dominique Casimir, who is also a board member
of
the
Bertelsmann
Content
Alliance said, “An important part of our job will be, together with the Undercover team, to form a center of excellence for events within the Content Alliance. We look forward to working with the other divisions and together adding even more value to our artists and media brands by creating bespoke live experiences.”
Maximilian Kolb, Michael Schacke and Dominique Casimir
8
The transaction is expected to close by the end of October.
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VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
UTA Elevates 19 Agents to Partner Status From VIP-Daily News
United Talent Agency (UTA) elevated 19 agents and executives to
“These are leaders across our business making substantial
partner status, making it the largest partner class in the agency’s
contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our
30-year history. The company’s last partner class was announced in
company,” UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement.
January 2019. “In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of One of the new partners at UTA is Cheryl Paglierani who has been at
UTA’s work on behalf of world-class creators and cultural voices.
the company for over four years, working from its Beverly Hills base,
These individuals are influential leaders not just at UTA but in their
is the only music agent in this partner class.
fields, and our company as a whole will benefit from having their unique and diverse expertise, innovation, and perspectives at the
At UTA, she specialises in hip-hop contemporary clients, working with
partner table.”
the likes of wunderkind R&B singer Kaash Paige and Post Malone,
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whom she built up from the release of White Iverson in 2016 to a
In 2020, United Talent Agency has named 22 new partners, most
global superstar.
recently appointing Samantha Kirby Yoh as co-head of UTA Music.
The new partners come from 14 divisions including UTA’s motion
More than half of the new partners are women and people of
pictures and TV talent and lit groups, podcasting and emerging
color. Moreover, UTA recently announced the promotion of 35
platforms, news and broadcasting, digital talent, endorsements and
agents and executives across 20 divisions and made the decision
voiceover, fine arts, culture and leadership and alternative TV. The
to significantly raise the pay of all assistants and entry-level
new partner group also includes senior corporate executives in the
employees, making their new hourly rate the highest among the
legal, corporate communications and finance departments.
major talent agencies.
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2020
Berlin based conference Future of Festivals goes digital From VIP-Daily News As so many other conferences have been
and service providers in the industry will
will receive a free ticket for this year’s digital
forced to during the pandemic, this year’s
be more necessary than ever. Alternative
conference. A separate ticket that will only
Future of Festivals will take place as a digital
formats, solutions and security concepts must
be valid for the online event will be available
conference between 13-14 November with
be developed to create a new vision for the
at 19 Euros. A recording of the conference
the physical version now being postponed
future of festivals. Despite its cancellation,
will be accessible to all cardholders for the
until the autumn of 2021.
the organisers of the Future of Festivals
period from November 15 to December 26.
would still like to create a space for this The aim of the conference will be to promote
necessary and urgent dialogue. Therefore,
The 2021 event will take place at Arena
an exchange of ideas within the industry
the core topics will be discussed within the
Berlin between 26-27 November 2021 with
during these difficult times. Announced
framework of a purely digital conference live
plans to expand the exhibition space due to
speakers include Hoger Hûbner (Wacken),
for eight hours on both days from the Berlin
hight demand. Furthermore, the program
Paul
club Gretchen and other venues.
will offer more space for (international)
Van
Dyk
(Vandit),
Janne
Scharf
(Ferropolis) and many more.
showcases and workshops, but also startups The two-day online event will be free of
and innovations.
What future exists for festivals and large-
charge for all FOF 2020 ticket holders.
scale events? What could constitute a safe
Those who have already purchased a ticket
For more info and tickets:
event for the summer season in 2021?
for the Future of Festivals 2021 at 30 Euros
www.futureoffestivals.com/tickets/
Organisers, associations and service providers from the festival and live events industry, as well as 150 exhibitors and 140 speakers and panelists had already confirmed their participation at the Future of Festivals. Within the framework of the conference, participants
were
invited
to
exchange
views on topics such as the impact of the pandemic on festivals, sponsorship, hygiene, safety precautions, funding opportunities and more. Having rescheduled the date for the live event twice due to the pandemic, Robert Stolt, Managing Director of Future of Festivals GmbH, has pivoted to a digital format in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. The offline edition will take place in autumn of 2021. “After the enormous efforts by our team and our partners in the last few weeks, it is with a heavy heart that we have to accept that a physical meeting of the festival industry and its players is no longer possible this year,” says Stolt. Looking at the 2021 event season in particular, a joint dialogue between players
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2020
Digital conferences helped bring us together in September From VIP-Daily News Although you can never replace the social side of attending a physical conference and meeting people in person, 2 online conferences organized in September proved that they could provide some semblance of the real thing with a combination of live panels, networking lounges, speed meetings and showcases which highlighted how important it is for all of us to get together to discuss the problems our industry is facing during the current crisis and to look at new ways of doing business as we move forward, albeit in a digital format.
agencies ITB, UTA, Solo Agency and Paradigm
experienced 140 live concerts, lectures,
and the whole event wound up with a
readings, discussions, films and visual art
First out was IFF - Interactive Festival Forum
cocktail hour which further demonstrated the
exhibitions. 150,000 visitors followed the
(usually known as the International Festival
need for all of us to socialize and have a drink
freely
Forum) which took place on 2-3rd September.
together (not quite the same thing as in the
offer. The fee-based digital programme
Around 650 delegates from 35 countries
real world but as close as we can get under
for international industry visitors was used
attended. The event invited 60 speakers
the circumstances).
by 1,480 registered participants from 37
including Emma Banks, John Giddings,
12
accessible
digital
programme
on
countries with highlights including talks with
Russell Warby, Herman Schueremans, Folkert
This was followed 2 weeks later by the 15th
Federal leader of the Jusos Kevin Kühnert,
Koopmans, Marty Diamond, Marc Geiger,
edition of Reeperbahn Festival Conference
Melanie C. and Lukas Rieger, panels with
Anna Sjölund and many more. 6 hours of
on 16-19th September. Taking place over
industry representatives such as Stephan
evening showcases were hosted by booking
4 days, around 8,000 visitors in 20 venues
Thanscheidt (FKP Scorpio) and Helen Smith.
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2020
We spoke to Ruud Berends, Co-Founder/Agenda at IFF and Detlef Schwarte, CoManaging Director at Reeperbahn Festival Conference about this year’s events and this is what they had to say:
VIP-News: How’s the overall feedback been from the delegates
Ruud Berends: The real live experience.
that attended the Virtual conference? VIP-News: What have been the biggest challenges in doing a Ruud Berends: Really positive, our clients were impressed, thanked us
Virtual conference?
and were very happy to see each other again. Ruud Berends: Learning something we did not want to learn, digital is VIP-News: What was the biggest difference for the delegates
the opposite from live, trying to translate the essence from IFF into a
compared to the “normal” IFF Conference?
digital environment was a real challenge hopefully only for 1 edition. VIP-News: Do you plan on doing a Virtual conference alongside the physical conference when things get back to normal? Ruud Berends: On a content level, both conference and act showcases, where it would add value for our clients, yes. VIP-News: Revenue is an important factor in running a conference, how has it been possible to monetise the Virtual version? Ruud Berends: Not really, I think it is more about losing less. VIP-News: Did you receive any support from your government to run this year’s virtual event or to cover the shortfall from the cancelled physical event? Ruud Berends: No. VIP-News: Do you think the pandemic will have a negative effect on the number of delegates attending your physical conferences in the future or will the desire for people to meet in person prevail? Ruud Berends: That will strongly depend on how long this will really take. In general, pending on the level of the delegates, I expect some events to have lower attendance for a while. VIP-News: What was the highlight of this year’s virtual conference for you? Ruud Berends: How grateful and happy the delegates were, how
Ruud Berends
important it was for people to see each other and know that the business is still there and ready to restart.
13
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2020
VIP-News: How’s the overall feedback been from the delegates
other personally and the concrete initiation of business remains a
that attended the Virtual conference?
USP of the live format - not to mention the emotional experience of live concerts.
Detlef Schwarte: When things go well, there is little feedback. When things go badly, there is a lot of it. At the first digital conference of the
VIP-News: What have been the biggest challenges in doing a
Reeperbahn Festival there were understandably many complaints due
Virtual conference?
to the server crash in the first hour, for the following three days there were hardly any more. I consider this a great success, because we
Detlef Schwarte: Most important to me was that we had to be
have created a digital conference experience that is second to none.
noticeably positively different from all previous attempts to translate
We have produced and streamed around 70 sessions live and with a
music conferences to the Internet. I realise that others are under
very attractive look. We created a dozen web seminars with up to 50
even greater time pressure to reproduce something on the Internet.
participants* on the platform, presented 30 on-demand lectures and
However, this also meant that the results were not very attractive and
8 digital showcases, which generated a lot of interest in the artists
found little real acceptance among industry representatives. In order
shown there and surprised our partners from Germany and abroad
not to lose the industry at this point, all music conferences need to
in equal measure. I thought it was a pretty strong performance and I
make better digital offerings overall.
am happy that 1500 people from the industry experienced it live and actively online.
VIP-News: Do you plan on doing a Virtual conference alongside the physical conference when things get back to normal?
VIP-News: What was the biggest difference for the delegates compared to the “normal” Reeperbahn Conference?
Detlef Schwarte: In the future, we want to combine the already mentioned strengths of a digital and a live conference. In this respect,
Detlef Schwarte: The comparison is difficult. One should put the
we are trying to learn from the crisis and find the much-mentioned
advantages of the formats to the front. A well-designed digital
opportunity in it. But of course we don’t know how the industry will
conference can communicate topics more broadly and make
develop in the coming months and which offers are really considered
discussions more sustainable, as you can potentially reach a much
suitable. But yes, we have ventured on a path that we will probably
larger network over a longer period of time. Getting to know each
never leave again.
Detlef Schwarte ©MaureenVollmer
14
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2020
VIP-News: Revenue is an important factor in running a
conferences in the future or will the desire for people to meet
conference, how has it been possible to monetise the Virtual
in person prevail?
version? Detlef Schwarte: The desire and necessity to meet in person will Detlef Schwarte: We have generated significant revenues from
certainly and hopefully continue. And we want to continue to fulfil
ticketing and marketing digital conference formats such as master
it at the Reeperbahn Festival in the best possible way. And yet it will
classes, showcases and lounges. The performance was not always
take longer until we find our way back to the old level of physical
great in every case, but with the vast majority of our partners, we met
encounters on such occasions. But it will be attainable. And when
their expectations. All in all, I consider the potential for this kind of
we have consistently pursued the aforementioned possibilities of a
business to be great. We just can’t leave it to classic tech platforms.
digital conference and a digital network in equal measure, we will definitely be able to serve the industry better than before.
VIP-News: Did you receive any support from your government to run this year’s virtual event or to cover the shortfall from
VIP-News: What was the highlight of this year’s virtual
the cancelled physical event?
conference for you?
Detlef Schwarte: Yes, we were able to use parts of our funding
Detlef Schwarte: In retrospect, the fact that the digital machine we
for the digital implementation and distribution of our content in
created in just a few weeks essentially worked well was really the
deviation from the original funding purposes. In addition, we have
biggest success. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our
even received additional funding from the City of Hamburg to
team once again! Apart from that, I am pleased that our panel with
enable the best possible digital representation of the festival.
representatives from German politics and the live entertainment industry has led to the formation of a new alliance at the federal
VIP-News: Do you think the pandemic will have a negative
political level to make the consequences of the crisis for the live
effect on the number of delegates attending your physical
entertainment industry more manageable.
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2020
COVID-19 and the Live Industry: How Are we Coping? It goes without saying that these are challenging times with the Live Music & Events Industry being one of the worst hit by the current coronavirus crisis and with the lockdowns and restrictions on events imposed by governments all over the world. Although there is some hope on the horizon with many tours already being rescheduled for the Spring 2021 there is still a lot of uncertainty remaining. We asked 2 professionals from different countries about their current situation and how they are dealing with the problems facing their businesses.
Jason Colombick, Managing Director at N.O.W Co (North of Watford) - UK Now Music is a music management and artist agency company
and further afield; Australia, South Africa etc, we are reliant on what
established in the late eighties based in West Yorkshire.
happens in those countries for reopening to events and speaking to our promoters in those countries things for now are not favourable
The vision was to create a company that could manage artists on a
for anyone.
totally independent basis within the group. We support and nurture
both new and established artistes.
Have you received any financial support from your government and if so, are you still receiving support?
With 28 years of experience, I started out as a sound engineer and then started touring with bands worldwide, I developed the skills
We have been on the furlough Scheme from the UK Government and
in all parts of the entertainment sector, working also as production
my landlord for my office has been kind enough to delay our rent
manager on festivals and Tour Manager.
until January 2021.
5 years ago I took on the role of Managing Director at Now Music and
But there has been a shortfall or loophole for directors of
my past experience has given a complete understanding of exactly
companies, our personal salaries covered by the Government has
what Artists require especially whist on the road with full support.
not been enough.
How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s
Have you managed to book any gigs for your artists during
the reopening schedule looking in your country?
this period of uncertainty?
Things are tough, we have no events at least until March or April
95% (approx 110 gigs) of all our events from 2020 have been
2021, and doubtful they will go ahead as well.
postponed to 2021 and early 2022, so for the first 6 months of lockdown since March it was full on booking gigs, but now for the
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As Management and Agent for bands from 70’s and 80’s based in
last 6 weeks things are very slow, however this would be due to a full
the UK – most of the events take place in Europe and Scandinavia
dairy in 2021 and early 2022.
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2020
Our bands are in demand and Promoters in Scandinavia and Europe are always looking for the 70’s, 80’s nostalgic rock/pop bands for their gigs. However due to the demographics of the bands’ audiences with most people in age 55 plus, we all have a fear that it will take longer for these bands to return. Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if so how? We have not done any live streamed gigs for money, our bands feel that doing a concert online gives away the excitement of being in the live environment for the audience and for themselves. We have done some short-streamed events for Charity. Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the future even when things get back to normal?
Jason Colombick
No, in my opinion live streamed events have become an alternative to keep fans interested, and once things get back to normal people will 100% prefer to go to a gig than sit at home and watch it.
advances plan to give our promoters more flexibility which they feel is a fair deal, it’s about working closely with our partners and making
Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as
their money feel safe and secure!
usual next year? Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and To answer the question with a question; ”How long is a piece of
agents once the current crisis is over?
string?” I generally deal only with Independent promoters and agents so I Being glued to media, Government announcements from everywhere
can’t really say a lot about the large global agencies, however I’m
in the world, there is not one country that has straight answers, and
sure the larger companies are struggling a great deal more.
understandably! However, I think at first once we are back gigging there will be more We hear something one day of a trial show that took place and now
Independent promoters, and the large companies will be back.
going through a second wave of infections with more restrictions in place, so it’s ‘ one step forward and 3 steps backwards’
What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have on the future of the Live Music Industry?
How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor audience safety at future events?
We will certainly be losing some nostalgic bands earlier than expected, I already heard of bands that have decided to retire early.
Already technology is there to monitor audiences behaviour and I would have thought they would be able to add / alter it to monitor a
New up and coming artists will also suffer long term as gigging is
person from the audience body temperature, or people will get a Covid
their main point of gaining an audience and I fear they will be lost
test with an immediate result while standing in line to enter the venue,
and will have to re-invent and restart.
the same way people have a security check when entering venues. When we are free of Covid, even if takes a few years, everyone will Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future,
be back performing live,
or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk? I say this coming from a country I experience first-hand, that live I believe it all depends on the Artists’ management how they operate
international music was suppressed for many years and once the
and how they are prepared to operate, I know I have changed the
Government changed the Live music industry thrived literally overnight.
17
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2020
Mateusz Pawlicki, CEO at Prestige MJM (Poland) Prestige MJM is a professional agency that organizes concerts and festivals with the participation of world-class stars. One of the largest concert agencies not only in Poland, but also in Central and
Mateusz Pawlicki
Eastern Europe. Over the last 12 years, the Prestige MJM agency has organized
As I mentioned, we did not try. Honestly, we wouldn’t want it to be
142 different events in over 20 Polish cities. Among the artists who
that way. We prefer to pursue our passions through live concerts and,
appeared in our country for the first time at the invitation of Prestige
additionally, benefit from them.
MJM were: Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, BonJovi, Avicii, Michael Buble and Il Divo. World class stars whose concerts in
Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as
Poland have been prepared by our agency include: Elton John, Brian
usual next year?
Adams, Rod Stewart, Martin Garrix, Andea Bocelli, David Garret, David Guetta, James Blunt and bands: Guns N ‘Roses, Scorpions,
We strongly believe that, looking at the development of the pandemic
Thirty Seconds to Mars, Motörhead, Linkin Park, Queen. Over a
in Europe, we will be able to start organizing the first events in mid-
million people attended all the events.
2021. Of course, this is the optimistic version.
Prestige MJM organizes not only concerts but also the largest
How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor
events in Poland. From the celebration of the 1050th anniversary
audience safety at future events?
of the Baptism of Poland, through to the musical opening of the PGE Arena Stadium in Gdańsk, a concert marking the occasion of the
We approach it with full understanding. What is more, we believe
canonization of Pope John Paul II, to concerts on the occasion of the
that it is a reasonable and justified solution to which we will certainly
rally for the world’s largest sailing ships ‘Tall Ships Races in Szczecin’.
apply, hopefully in mid-2021.
How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s
Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or
the reopening schedule looking in your country?
do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?
Currently the pandemic has surprised us all, but we need to deal with
We are all in the same boat and work for joint success. In the new
it. We are waiting for better times and we are preparing for projects
times, even lower risks will still be huge. I would like the artists’ rates
planned for 2021, if they do not take place, then for 2022.
to be more reasonable and the risks to be shared by both sides.
Have you managed to promote any shows at all during this
Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and
period of uncertainty?
agents once the current crisis is over?
We have tried several times. However, the situation in Poland is very
Independent promoters take advantage of the situation and agents
unstable and it changed so quickly, so we had to put our ideas aside,
have no choice. So yes, we see such an opportunity. Previously, the
hopefully for not too long.
independent promoter was in a lost position, it was more difficult to make a big event, and the greatest artists finally chose the
Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and
competition. On our part, we will do everything to take advantage
if so how?
of this opportunity.
We have not tried. Two days before the lockdown, we had a James
What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have
Blunt concert held safely. It was a spectacular success for our company
on the future of the Live Music Industry?
and the artist, but since then our hands are tied. I wish myself and all the promoters in the world that the projects will
18
Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the
come back by mid-2021. We all miss live music so much. Of course,
future even when things get back to normal?
time will tell how it will be.
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
OCTOBER 2020
FKP Scorpio expand team in Sweden From VIP-Daily News In the midst of the current pandemic, FKP Scorpio Sweden chooses to
“Johanna is well known for her fingertip feeling when it comes to
grow and strengthen the team with the hiring of Johanna Beckman as
setting good programs, something we look forward to developing at
Senior Creative Curator & Promoter.
FKP Scorpio,” says Božo Rasic, Managing Director.
Johanna Beckman has a long experience in the Swedish music industry and has worked here for 17 years. She has worked as a booker,
Johanna Beckman
manager for i.a. Dungen and Jenny Wilsson and has been a concert and festival promoter. Most recently, she came from work as creative director at Trädgården / Under Bron. Johanna is also known for her work with the development and music booking of the Gagneffestivalen. In addition, she was also involved in starting up the artist collective Ingrid and is active as an artist booker at By: Larm. “It feels super exciting to take on this assignment - to have the opportunity to make arrangements and concerts in different sizes, and at the same time be able to use my broad knowledge and fingertip feeling in putting on fun programs. It is brave of FKP Scorpio to dare to invest in this situation and I am extremely triggered by being involved in developing the company,” says Johanna Beckman.
Matt Schwarz joins CTS Eventim From VIP-Daily News Matt Schwarz, former COO and Managing Director of Live Nation GSA will be joining CTS Eventim at the start of next year.
Matt Schwarz
With effect from January 2021, Matt Schwarz will be managing eventimpresents (formerly MLK), the promoter company behind the long-established `Rock am Ring` and `Rock im Park` festivals, and will be responsible for acquiring attractive national and international tours and shows on behalf of Eventim Live, CTS Eventim`s unified promoter network. Schwarz worked for Live Nation GSA as COO and Managing Director from its establishment in mid-2015 until February 2020. Prior to that, he was heavily involved in the `Rock am Ring` and `Rock im Park` festivals in his capacity as Vice President of MLK.
19
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
OCTOBER 2020
Markus Wiking new CEO of United Stage Sweden From VIP-Daily News United Stage is now taking the next step
of trust among artists, an impressive drive
the name United Stage Group - a Nordic live
towards becoming the Nordic region`s largest
and enthusiasm, and is also almost exactly
company for today`s and tomorrow`s stars.
artist company with the announcement of
twenty years younger than me.
The Nordic CEO of United Stage Group is
Markus Wiking as new CEO of United Stage Sweden.
Jimmi Riise. Markus will be a great asset for us in our continued
construction
of
the
Nordic
Markus Wiking will take up the role of CEO
region`s largest artist company. It will be very
Jimmi Riise,
on 2 November and will be an important key
fun to do United Stage`s continued journey
CEO United Stage Group
figure in United Stage`s expansive strategy.
and investment with him. I am pleased to welcome Markus and I look forward to our cooperation in the coming
Markus has worked for EMA Telstar and Live Nation in various positions for 21 years, for
Markus Wiking,
years. The combination of the fantastic work
the last 10 years he was responsible for Live
CEO United Stage Sweden
that United Stage has done in Stockholm and Markus` strong leadership, will continue
Nation`s Swedish touring operations and has been a driving force in the development of
I am incredibly humble and happy that I
to show that we are an obvious live company
the company`s A&E operations with shows
have been given the task of leading United
for both national upcoming artists and
and musicals.
Stage into the 2020`s. US is a fantastic
established stars.
company with an agency team that together Over the years, Markus has worked as an
have more experience than any other artist
The pandemic has made it difficult for the
agent for Laleh, Molly Sanden, Magnus
company in Sweden today.
live music industry, but we are investing further and investing in the future. Not
Uggla, Tomas Ledin, Hov1, Norlie & KKV and Linnea Henriksson, to name a few. He started
I have known Anders Larsson for almost 20
only in Stockholm, but through our Nordic
his career in the live industry as early as 1996
years and since 1999 I have stood on the
investment, also in Oslo and Copenhagen.
and has since built himself into a position as
other side and seen what a fantastic job he
one of Sweden`s most important agents with
has done in building up the company.
a great understanding of artist development.
Markus Wiking It will be exciting to stand side by side with Anders and US on the continued journey
Anders Larsson,
with music and the artist in the center.
United Stages founder and chairman of the board United Stage founder and chairman Anders
20
Markus and I have many times talked over
Larsson will of course continue to work with
a glass of wine about how fun it would be
full force and remain operational in the
to work together and finally I have managed
company`s artist operations and all business
to get him to take the step over to United
areas both in Sweden and the rest of the
Stage, also as CEO.
Nordic region.
Markus is without a doubt the person in our
In August 2020, it was announced that the
industry that I have the greatest confidence
three Nordic music agencies United Stage,
in. He has an incredibly large and broad
United Stage Norway and Copenhagen
knowledge of the live industry, a high level
Music will make a strategic merger under
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VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
OCTOBER 2020
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Amazing: Big Hit Entertainment, the company behind the K-Pop
CTS Eventim - Still Gaining
band BTS undertook an IPO (Initial Public Offering) at the Korean stock exchange and on the first day rose by about 160%. On
On September 25 the shares for CTS Eventim were 41.30 Euro, since
October 15th, the issued share price stood at 135.000 Won (100
then until October 26 the share price increased to 42.50 Euro...
Euro/ $118), the closing price on the same day reached 270.000 Won (200 Euro/ $225.) The market cap of the venture sky rocketed, reaching a peak of 8.7 trillion Won (7,4 Euro billion/ $7.6 billion).
DEAG - Meaningful Downwards
Well, whatever the long term market expectation was supposed
Last time the headline for DEAG shares read “Meaningless
to be, the speculative momentum is another factor. Despite the
Downwards”, as between August and September, the share price
usual compulsory lock up period after an IPO that foresees that
went down from 2.95 Euro to 2.85 Euro but the further decrease
major shareholders have to hold shares for a certain period of time
within four weeks to 2.32 Euro can be described as “Meaningful”...
(i.e.between 3 to 6 months), this has apparently not been the case with Big Hit Entertainment as certain share portions were sold in the aftermath, causing a sharp decline in Big Hit Entertainment’s
Eventbrite - Maintaining the Level
share price. From $10.69 down to $10.18 is during these times almost The so called equity story for Big Hit Entertainment also proves
positive news...
something else, that music wrapped up as a product can be highly profitable. Different to many other products, the rate of profit margins versus investments are in terms of music products much
Live Nation - Improved Momentum
higher than those of physical products such as cars or vaccines. Just consider the fact that the expenses for the development and
Previously at $51.25 and now up to $55.63, reads well, let’s see if Live
deployment of a boy band such as BTS are significantly lower than
Nation shares are sustainable to remain above $55...
those of a Tesla or a Mercedes car. However, during these Covid-19 times, not even Big Hit Entertainment can perform the same profit rates as face masks and toilet paper.
Spotify - A Winner Previously up and down here and there but once again another peak: Since last time, Spotify shares have moved up from $231.85 (August - $272.17) to an impressive $283.83...
Tencent - Speculatively Unexciting From $14.71 up to $15.03...
Warner Music - Uninspired From $28.15 to $29.06...
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VIP NEWS > MISC >
MEMBER PRESENTATION
OCTOBER 2020
This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best endorsement...
All Things Live All Things Live is the leading independent live entertainment company in the Nordics. The group was established by the 6 Scandinavian companies in early 2019. Since then, a number of additional live entertainment companies have joined All Things Live. With offices in Oslo, Stockholm, Malmø, Helsinki, and Copenhagen, All Things Live covers the full spectrum of live entertainment from local music and comedy acts to large scale musical productions, several festivals and stadium concerts with international artists such as The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry and Rammstein. All Things Live also operates the leading comedy venue in Norway. All Things Live represents around 250 local artists, promotes and produces more than 5,000 events with more than 1.5 million tickets sold annually, and has entered into a number of partnerships with large corporate clients.
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the largestdatabasefor the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers in over 50 countries.
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HOW TO USE
1
Use VIP Analytics to lo cate where your artist has the most in terest:
VIP-Booking.com for Agents/Managers
2
ues Use our Tour Builder to locate ven or agents within a given area:
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Find the Talent B uyer and relevant other contact s:
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